WHO/IVB/09.05

In May 2005, the World Health Assembly requested WHO to seek urgent solutions with partners to address the global shortage of influenza vaccines for both epidemics and for pandemic preparedness. Months later, a landmark consultation brought together all stakeholders in the race against an influenza pandemic to identify the most promising ways to increase the availability of pandemic influenza vaccine. Participants adopted the Global Pandemic Influenza Action Plan (GAP), with a three-tiered agenda to (i) increase seasonal vaccine use; (ii) increase influenza vaccine production; and (iii) further research and development. This report summarizes WHO progress against to meet the overall objective of increased availability of pandemic influenza vaccine in the event of a pandemic.